Blog

Round brilliant rings have always been a popular choice for engagement rings. They’re fire and brilliance really make them stand out and make them an excellent choice for an engagement ring. Round brilliant diamonds can be worn in so many different ways with so many different styles. They are arguably one of the most versatile diamond cuts.The history behind the cutThis type of diamond cut is without a doubt one of the most analyzed and studied diamond cuts. The round brilliant cut goes back 500 years , but in 1919 the more recognizable round brilliant was created by Marcel Tolkowsky. Before this time, European cut diamonds and rose diamonds were the most famous round diamond styles.Marcel Tolkowsky used his vast mathematical knowledge to create a shape and cut which would optimize the fire and brilliance of the diamond. People were amazed by this new cut of diamond. Later on, improvements were made with laser technology as well as computer modeling. This cut shows off the maximum amount of fire, light dispersion as well as brilliance which can’t be equaled by other cuts.The 57 facets really make the diamond sparkle.Why we love a round brilliantA round brilliant is a super versatile style. It can be worn in so many different ways. You can have different shaped side stones or wear it alone on a solitaire band. They look amazing super small, medium sized, and huge. Any size round brilliant will have tons of sparkle. Because if it’s round shape, round brilliants are also the perfect choice for someone who is super active. The round shape with no pointy edges is unlikely to get caught on things and it’s also less likely to chip or break.In addition to all of these benefits, the unique degree of brilliance and fire also helps to conceal minor flaws within the diamond.  Because of its many facets and brilliance, minor flaws won’t be noticeable at all. This gives you flexibility in your budget so that you can opt for a lower clarity grade diamond in order to size up on carat weight. Its an excellent choice for couples who are looking for an impressive diamond without the astronomical price tag.What setting to choose for a round brilliantThere are so many  types of settings that would work with a round brilliant and it's important to know your options. A four prong setting is perfect for optimizing the amount of light that can enter the stone and really make it sparkle. This is because it leaves more open space around the diamond. If you choose a larger carat weight, you should opt for a six prong setting for added security. We recommend this for anything larger than a 2 carat if you’re worried about the security of the diamond. Another option for a larger round brilliant is a bezel setting. This ensures the diamond is super secure and looks cool and modern.  We love a round brilliant engagement ring. There’s a reason they are the most sold diamond cut for engagement rings. Their classic look has stood the test of time for centuries and we don’t see this style ever going away. 

The way diamonds are graded can be very confusing to someone that isn’t an expert in diamonds. There are so many terms, and abbreviations that you may not understand as you begin to search for a diamond ring. (see our diamond color guide ) We have written this guide to assist you in understanding what the clarity of a diamond means and what to look for. So what is diamond clarity and which one is a good choice?Clarity grades are determined by the amount of inclusions in the stone. While diamonds are naturally created within Earth, they gather tiny elements of carbon or boron and which results in inclusions. They look like small lines, marks, or even colored specks which have a direct impact on the clarity of the diamond.  The more visible the inclusions are, the more it affects the clarity grade and the value of the diamond.What does it all mean?Here's a breakdown of all the abbreviations diamond sellers use to describe the clarity of the diamond. There are other grades below these clarity grades but these are the ones most commonly used: F- Flawless – this is the highest clarity grade a diamond can get. “Flawless” grade means that there aren’t any inclusions on the diamond internally or externally. These types of diamonds are extremely rare and finding them can be very difficult. IF- Internally Flawless – on the clarity scale, “Internally Flawless” comes next. The only difference between the two grades is the fact that (IF) diamonds have clarity characteristics on the surface.These diamonds have external inclusions without internal flaws and although they are not visible to the naked eye, once viewed under a magnifying glass they will appear on the surface of the diamond. VVS- Very Very slightly Included – the next grade is divided into two categories. The first one is VVS1 which holds the highest grade of the two and has no visible inclusions at 10x magnification. Only by greater magnification will the inclusions be shown. The second category is VVS2. The inclusions on the diamond will appear with 10x magnification or with greater magnification than a VVS1 diamond. These two categories are known as “eye clean” because these inclusions cannot be seen by the naked eye. VS-  Very Slightly Included – these diamonds are also divided into two categories. The first category Is VS1 which indicates that the diamonds have visible inclusions under 10x magnification, but at the same time it can be quite difficult to notice and locate them. The second category is VS2, which refers to diamonds with few visible inclusions under 10x magnification. These diamonds also do not have any visible inclusions to the naked eye. SI- Slightly Included – This grade is split into two as well. These diamonds may have some inclusions visible to the naked eye, but we hand pick these diamonds to make sure the inclusions are in places where they will be hidden by prongs or won't be as noticeable. SI1 and SI2 are both diamonds that have inclusions visible under magnification but almost always eye clean. SI2 usually has more inclusions and can sometimes be visible depending on the cut of the diamond. How to know which clarity to choose?You have to take into consideration your budget, size of diamond and cut of diamond. Not everyone can afford a flawless clarity diamond and it is not necessary for everyone to purchase the most flawless diamond. When you choose a diamond on the smaller side, you can also get away with a lower clarity rating because inclusions are less noticeable on smaller diamonds. If you are going with a larger diamond the inclusions may be more noticeable. The cut of the diamond also plays a part in what clarity you should choose. If you choose a diamond with more facets like a round brilliant or oval, inclusions tend to be way less noticeable because of how they are cut. If you choose a step cut diamond like an emerald or an asscher cut diamond, inclusions will be more noticeable because there are less facets on the diamond. In this case you’ll want to go with a better clarity. Got any more questions about diamond clarity? Our diamond experts are always happy to answer any questions. Send us an email at sales@naturesparkle.com and we’ll help you out.

We’ve seen a rapid rise in the popularity of lab diamonds. People are requesting lab diamonds in lieu of natural diamonds more than ever before. What are lab diamonds? It is a common misconception that Lab Diamonds are fake as they are often called “synthetic” diamonds. Lab diamonds are in fact 100% real diamonds. Advancements in technology have given us the ability to actually replicate the conditions diamonds need to be created and do all of this inside a lab instead of under the ground. Many people are choosing lab diamonds nowadays because of their lower price tag and their lower environmental impact. Lab diamonds are often also less included so you can have a more beautiful diamond that is much more affordable. Lab diamonds seem too good to be true. Are they? We’ve done the research for you and weighed the pros and cons so you don't have to. Here’s everything you need to know about lab diamonds.How is a Lab Diamond made?Like the name suggests, Lab diamonds are created in a lab. They are created by replicating the conditions that diamonds need to form within the earth. The process starts with carbon dioxide that is trapped about 100 miles under the surface of the earth. The carbon dioxide is then exposed to extreme heat and extreme pressure. The diamonds make their way to the earth’s core due to volcanic explosions and earthquakes. There are two ways to create lab diamonds: High Pressure-High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD).HPHT diamonds can be created three different ways. With a belt press, a cubic press, or a split-sphere (BARS) press. All of these methods create an environment of extremely high pressure and temperature that is conducive to the creation of diamonds.An HPHT diamond starts off as a small diamond seed that is submerged in carbon. Using one of the three methods described previously, the seed is exposed to temperatures of about 1500 degrees celsius and pressurized to approximately 1.5 million pounds per square inch.The pure carbon melts and starts to form a diamond around the starter seed. It is then carefully cooled to form a pure carbon diamond. A CVD diamond starts off as a thin slice of diamond seed. The seed is placed in a sealed chamber and heated to around 800 degrees Celsius.The chamber is filled with a carbon rich-gas which is then ionized into plasma using technology similar to microwaves or lasers. The ionization breaks the molecular bonds in the gases, and the pure carbon sticks to the diamond seed and slowly crystallizes.The Pro’s of a Lab DiamondWell for starters, Lab Diamonds tend to be about 20%-30% less expensive than earth mined diamonds. This allows you to get a larger and better diamond for a lower price. They are more affordable because the supply chain is much shorter since they do not need to be mined. They still need to be polished and cut like earth mined diamonds, but since the process requires less labor and passes through less hands in the supply chain, it brings down the price. Lab diamonds are also a more eco friendly option as they require less energy and resources to create. Nearly 100 sq ft of land is disturbed and almost 6000 lbs of mineral waste is created for every carat of diamond that is mined. While creating lab diamonds still requires lots of energy, the impact and the amount of energy used is much lower. Lab diamonds are also less likely to have inclusions. You are able to get a visibly clear diamond for a much lower price.When to Choose a Natural Diamond insteadAfter reading this article, Lab diamonds probably seem really great, so why choose a natural diamond? It all depends on what is important to you when buying a diamond. Mined diamonds hold a certain significance. They hold a piece of the earth’s history and are created over hundreds of years. They also have a better investment potential and tend to go up in value as time goes on whereas lab diamonds do not. If you’re buying for the purpose of investment then natural is the way to go. You will still be able to sell a lab diamond for a decent amount of money if you no longer want it, but it is unknown if their value will ever go up. Lab diamonds are also a fairly new invention and many people love the traditional aspect and the status of a natural diamond vs the scientific creation of a lab diamond.The VerdictWe believe that Lab diamonds will be the future of diamond jewelry. Lab diamonds give jewelers the ability to create a stunning piece of jewelry for a significantly lower price. Who wouldn't want that? Lab diamonds are better for the environment and the budgets of Millennials who still want an incredible engagement ring, but are not willing to dish out the money for a natural diamond. Natural diamonds will still be relevant and have their significance, but the ratio of lab to natural diamonds bought is higher than ever before. We don't see this changing anytime soon. In fact, we see a future where lab diamonds are the mainstream choice for diamond shoppers everywhere. Their price, look, and modern edge is too hard to beat. No matter which diamond you choose, whether it be lab or natural, a diamond holds significance. A diamond represents eternal and unbreakable love. Who wouldn't want that?

There are so many diamond cuts to choose from  when buying an engagement ring. There are also so many things to consider when choosing a shape for your engagement ring diamond. When choosing a diamond shape, you have to ask yourself some questions. Will it look good on my hand? Will I  still be happy with my choice many years from now? Is this shape and carat weight practical for my lifestyle? Does the shape of diamond match my style and other jewelry I own? Is this my forever ring or will I upgrade to something else in the future? We’re here to help you find the best diamond shape for you. Here are our most popular diamond shapes for engagement rings and why you should choose them.OvalThis is our best selling diamond shape. An oval will never go out of style. Oval diamonds elongate your finger and its many facets make it a super sparkly choice for your engagement ring. Oval diamonds tend to look larger for their carat weight so you get more bang for your buck. Smaller ovals also hide unwanted color really well so if you choose a 1-1.5 carat oval diamond you can choose a lower color grade. Ovals are also great at hiding inclusions because they have many facets. Our best selling ovals:Yara: The diamond speaks for itself. A breathtaking 1.5 carat oval center stone set in our signature ultra thin solitaire setting. This ring is delicate and full of elegant simplicity. Ale: A Nature Sparkle solitaire 1.8 carat oval cut engagement ring. Set in a classic four prong delicate setting with a slender band. This diamond has a larger appearance while staying relatively affordable. It looks similar to a 2 carat without the 2 carat price tag.Anita: A tasteful & minimal design. This 1 carat solitaire combines the beauty of an oval and a marquise shaped diamond. It’s narrow, elongated shape makes it extremely flattering on the hand.CushionThe cushion cut diamond has been around for 200 years but has been rising in popularity and we don’t see them going out of style any time soon. The cushion cut gets its name from its resemblance to a pillow with its square shape and rounded edges. These soft clean lines are what makes a cushion cut so desirable. The best things about a cushion are its brilliance and fire, its durability due to its rounded edges, and its classic yet modern look.Our best selling cushions:Annabella: One of our most popular three stone engagement rings. A stunning 1 carat cushion cut is beautifully framed with two delicate 0.30 carat pear shaped side stones.Daphne: A timeless and romantic shape for an engagement ring. This ring features a beautiful 1.2 carat cushion cut in our signature solitaire prong setting.Ava: A romantic shape with a modern feel. A 1.7 carat elongated cushion cut diamond is set among a delicate 4 prong solitaire setting. This ring features a hidden halo for an extra surprise element. Round BrilliantThe round brilliant is the best at refracting light than any other diamond. This is what makes the diamond super sparkly and what gives a round brilliant its name. They are the most brilliant of any other diamond. 75% of all diamonds sold are round brilliant diamonds so it's safe to say they're super popular. They also hide tints of unwanted color and inclusions really well because they have so many facets.Our best selling round brilliants:Rebecca: A stunning 1.50 carat round brilliant diamond set in a dazzling triple diamond paved setting in 14k white gold. This ring sparkles from every angle. Aisha: A Nature Sparkle bridal set. This majestic 1.55 carat round brilliant diamond is set in a 6 prong, 14k yellow gold setting to give it a hexagonal like shape. The round brilliant cut is paired with our signature 0.25 carat pave wedding band.Maeve: An appealing 1 carat, round brilliant diamond appears to float above a pave set, diamond band. This ring features diamond accented prongs and a striking hidden halo.

Celebrities are known for their over the top mansions and expensive designer clothes so it makes sense that some of the biggest and most wealthy celebrities would have some pretty insane engagement rings from their A list fiances. We’ve chosen our favorite rings from the stars that have us saying OMG I do!Our Top FavoritesJennifer Lopez: She’s no longer Jenny from the block with this 16 carat Emerald cut diamond engagement ring. This ring from ex-fiance Alex Rodriguez is estimated to have cost 1.8 million dollars. This ring is stunning and over the top. We love how the baguette side stones really accentuate the impressive rock. You can achieve the same look for a much lower budget with our Zaisha ring. This is a timeless look that we don’t see going out of style.  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jennifer Lopez (@jlo) Paris Hilton: Another fantastic Emerald cut diamond engagement ring. Paris opted for a more square cut emerald with trapezoid side stones. This is Paris Hilton’s fourth engagement ring and it’s definitely our favorite ring of all of them. This impressive ring given to her by Fiance Carter Reum is estimated to have cost two million dollars. You can achieve a similar look with an emerald or asscher cut diamond center stone and two trapezoid side stones. We love how these three stones seem to wrap the entire front of the ring in clean cut diamonds.  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Paris Hilton (@parishilton) Cardi B: She says she likes diamonds so it's no surprise to us that husband Offset proposed with this stunning shining 8 carat double halo pear engagement ring. The double halo and the side stones also encircled in their own halo make this ring so glam. This ring is priced at $500,000, but you can achieve the same look on a budget with our Layla or Venice ring. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Cardi B (@iamcardib) Kim Kardashian: Her north south east west set 15 carat cushion cut diamond from ex-husband Kanye West had jaws dropping everywhere. This impressive D color flawless cushion cut ring was an estimated two million dollars. We love the juxtaposition of this massive rock on a dainty pave band with the non traditional prongs. It really makes the diamond the center of attention. You can achieve a similar look on a budget with our Lamia ring. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kim Kardashian West (@kimkardashian) Kate Middelton: Given to her by husband Prince William, this 18 carat oval sapphire is an heirloom from Princess Diana. The sapphire is surrounded by 14 diamonds and is said to have cost about £300,000. This is definitely one of the most iconic rings of all time. You can achieve a similar look on a budget with our Rylee ring. While it's not a sapphire, this ring will definitely give you the same vibe at an affordable price. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kate Middleton (@_kate_middleton_royal) Megan Markle: This is probably the most subdued ring on this list but we had to include it because we are literally obsessed with three stone rings. Designed by Prince Harry himself and created by the royal jewelers, this ring incorporates side stones from the private jewelry collection of Princess Diana herself as well as a cushion cut center stone from Botswana. The ring is about 4 carat and most likely cost about £95,000. You can achieve a nearly identical look for much less with our Rowan ring. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Megan Markle (@marklemeganoffical) Blake Lively: This is the micropave oval engagement ring of our dreams. This is such a classic and elegant engagement ring given to Blake by her husband Ryan Reynolds. The ring is 12 carat and cost an estimated two million dollars. She often styles it with multiple bands. We’re loving this look right now. If two million is a little out of your budget, our Gigi 5.73 carat oval is just as glam and much more affordable. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Blake Lively (@blakelively) Beyonce: This ring is fit for a queen. It's no wonder Jay Z proposed with this fantastic 18 carat emerald cut engagement ring. This ring features a split shank setting and is estimated to have cost five million dollars. Emerald cut diamonds have been so popular among celebrities so you can see why you may want one for yourself. You can achieve a similar look for much less with our Maxime ring. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Beyoncé (@beyonce) Mariah Carey: Another celebrity who chose an over the top emerald cut diamond and perhaps the most over the top one yet. This ring was custom designed for her and is completely one of a kind. This shocking 35 carat emerald set in platinum was estimated to cost ten million dollars! This is understandably out of most peoples budgets, but If you’d also like a larger than life sparkly ring, try our Monaco Radiant cut ring. It will give you all the luxurious celebrity vibes without the celebrity price tag.  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mariah Carey (@mariahcarey)

In recent years, we have seen a rise in popularity of cushion cut diamonds. With their soft rounded edges and their pillowy shape, they look beautiful on any hand. Cushion cut diamonds also disperse the most fire out of any cut diamond. If you love the colorful bursts of light and sparkle, a cushion cut diamond is definitely for you. A 1 carat cushion is the perfect size for finger coverage, sparkle, and beauty while still being reasonably affordable and not too over the top. We’re a huge advocate for 1 carat cushion diamonds. They have risen in popularity and we don't see them going out of style any time soon.Things to Note About Cushions A cushion cut diamond combines a more modern and round brilliant cut pattern diamond with a classic old mine facet pattern diamond cut. Cushions are either a soft square shape or a soft rectangular shape in the case of an elongated cushion. The cushion cut gets its name from its resemblance to a pillow with its square shape and rounded edges. These soft clean lines are what makes a cushion cut so desirable. The best things about a cushion are its brilliance and fire, its durability due to its rounded edges, and its classic yet modern look. Some things you should be aware of are the fact that cushions tend to show color more than other cuts. It is best to choose an H color or higher for a cushion. Cushions also tend to look a bit small for their carat weight and that is why you really shouldn't go smaller than a 1 carat  for a cushion.1 Carat Cushion Engagement Rings We’re Loving NowAlisa: This ring features a stunning 1 carat elongated cushion cut set on our signature ultra thin solitaire hidden halo setting. The hidden halo adds an extra touch of sparkle to this classic look.Odette: A delicate 1 carat cushion cut set in our signature solitaire setting. The wider shape gives you more finger coverage for your carat weight. You really can't go wrong with this simple yet elegant engagement ring.Daphne: A timeless and romantic shape for an engagement ring. This ring features a beautiful 1.2 carat cushion cut in our signature solitaire prong setting. This classic square shaped cushion is so timeless and would look beautiful on anyone.Annabella: This is one of our most popular three stone engagement rings. A stunning 1 carat cushion cut is beautifully framed with two delicate 0.30 carat pear shaped side stones. The side stones make the center diamond look even bigger and make the ring sparkle from all angles.Martina: A gorgeous 1 carat elongated cushion cut with a soft and elegant shape. The diamond is set on our signature solitaire hidden halo setting. A hidden halo adds something special while still keeping the ring classic.It's safe to say we’re a little obsessed with 1 carat cushion engagement rings right now. They are such a timeless look that is bound to make anyone say “wow!” The fire and brilliance make this cut glimmer in the sunlight in a way that is truly impressive. We know you’ll love your cushion cut engagement ring just as much as we do. And if you can't find the 1 carat cushion cut engagement ring of your dreams, we can make it for you! Email us at sales@naturesparkle.com and we’ll work with you to create the ring you’ll cherish forever.

Since 1 carat ovals are one of the most popular engagement ring styles, its no wonder they are some of our best selling rings. They are super affordable, look great on anyone, and they will never go out of style. You really can’t go wrong with a 1 carat oval. They can be paired with many different style bands or worn alone for a classic look. Ovals also have an elongating effect on someones finger and therefore create the appearance of beautiful lengthly fingers.  The Price Is RightA 1 carat diamond is great choice when you are on a budget. They are pretty affordable for most budgets but tend to look bigger so you can still purchase a really beautiful diamond for a good price. It is very easy to find a 1 carat oval for under $4,000 that is a good quality diamond. You can even add a halo or some side stones to your 1 carat oval ring to make the diamond stand out more or look larger. These additions often cost less than going up in carat weight and therefore can give you more bang (or bling) for your buck.  One For the Ages Being one of the most timeless designs, it’s no wonder 1 carat ovals are so popular. A 1 carat oval ring from 100 years ago would still look just as good in modern times.  Its such a versatile look that can be worn many different ways since the center stone isn’t too large and flashy. Wear it alone for a classic and subdued look or stack it up with other rings for a fun look that is interchangeable. We love a simple 1 carat oval solitaire with our Twilight and Vega bands.  1 Carat Ovals We Love Anita: A tasteful & minimal ring. This 1 carat solitaire combines the beauty of an oval and a marquise shaped diamond. Its narrow and elongated shape makes it extremely flattering on the hand and elongates the finger.  Rosie: A 1 carat oval with a shimmering halo and accent diamonds along the shank. A small pave diamond is bezel set in the middle of its cathedral setting. This luxe and detailed ring looks so high end and expensive but is actually super affordable. Dior: This is one of our best selling rings, and its easy to see why. This pave setting with a one carat diamond really makes an impact. It sparkles from all angles and even has a hidden halo for a little surprise of shimmer underneath. This ring would look great on anyone and works for any style.  Nita: This classic 1 carat oval with a twist is perfect for anyone looking for a simple looking ring but with a more unique edge. The east to west setting makes this ring super unique making anyone who sees it want to take a closer look. This ring is also perfect for stacking with tons of other rings.  Ayla: A 1 carat oval shaped diamond sits front and center paired with two whimsical 0.15 carat pear shaped diamonds on each side. The side stones really make the center stone stand out and make this ring super sparkly. This ring also has a low profile setting and would pair perfectly with our U shape wedding band. You really can’t go wrong with a 1 carat oval diamond. It’s the most versatile ring choice that would make anyone happy with a look that will last a lifetime.  

You may have never heard of moissanite before, or maybe you have but are just not sure what it is. Moissanite is a gemstone that has increased in popularity for engagement rings in lieu of diamonds. One of the main reasons is the fact that they are significantly less expensive. To someone who is not an expert with diamonds, they may even look exactly the same. But what is moissanite and is it better to choose moissanite than a diamond?What is it?Although moissanite can occur naturally in nature, it is very rare and is often lab created. They are a form of crystalline silicon carbide created in laboratories. They recreate the conditions that moissanite needs to form much like lab created diamonds. It is very rare that moissanite gemstones are mined from the earth. They are a completely different mineral than diamonds which are created from pure carbon, but from afar have a very similar appearance.Moissanite VS Diamond: Which is more beautiful?While they are both beautiful and sparkly gemstones, they sparkle in different ways. There are two different attributes to the sparkle of a gemstone: brilliance and fire. Brilliance is the white flashes you see when the gem sparkles and fire is the colored flashes you see when the gem sparkles. Moissanites and diamonds have both attributes but moissanite tends to have more fire than a diamond. This also depends on the diamond cut. More modern cuts of diamonds have more fire as well making it difficult to tell the difference. It is only easier to tell the difference between larger sizes. Typical moissanite has a yellowish or brownish color that is similar to J through M on the diamond color scale. This will work better with warm toned gold. It is now more possible to acquire more colorless appearing moissanite. But it can change color in different lighting and tends to look a bit yellow or green as opposed to diamonds that will always appear colorless if they are a good color rating. Because moissanite is grown in a lab, they tend to have less visible imperfections, but a lab diamond will have less imperfections as well. Natural mined diamonds will have more imperfections because they occur naturally and that is why it costs more to get a natural diamond with no visible imperfections.How do I choose which gemstone is for me?In order to choose the perfect stone, one must consider three things: Budget, investment potential, and values. If you have a low budget for your engagement ring, you will be able to afford a larger stone if you go with moissanite. This can end up saving you thousands of dollars. If you have a larger budget for your ring, you can get a really high quality diamond that will also serve as an investment. Investment potential is also something you may want to consider. While moissanite is cheaper, diamonds go up in value over time. Moissanite doesn’t offer much in terms of return on investment if you want to sell it after many years. And finally, while moissanite is a newer thing, they don’t hold the same tradition and sentimental value as diamonds. Diamonds hold a century long tradition of commitment and love and while moissanite looks similar, its not a diamond at the end of the day. Moissanite gems are increasing in popularity as some younger people opt to spend less on rings and more on other things like buying a house or vacations. At the end of the day, you have to choose what is best for you. After all, proposing is one of the most magical moments in a couples life and whatever you choose to propose with will symbolize your love and commitment to each other.

Anniversaries are a time where you get to celebrate the love of your life. Whether it be a one year wedding anniversary, a 50 year wedding anniversary, or even the anniversary of when you first met, it’s customary to celebrate with a gift that tells your partner how much they mean to you. There are so many options in terms of anniversary gifts, but in order to ensure the gift is perfect, we’ve put together this fool proof guide so you know your partner will love your gift. Stacks for DaysGiving your partner an additional wedding band as an anniversary gift is a great way to update the look of the engagement ring. It has become increasingly popular to not only wear a wedding band and an engagement ring, but to also add an additional band to create a unique ring stack that is interchangeable. This gives you the option of four looks in one and is truly a versatile gift. Your partner can then wear the engagement ring alone, the engagement ring with one band, the engagement ring with both bands, or just the two bands alone. It is also symbolic of how much you love your partner because you are giving them another band just like you did on your wedding day. You can’t go wrong with our best selling Twilight band or Pave Eternity band. If you want a more glam look, our Semi Pave emerald looks incredible with most of our engagement rings and if you want a super trendy look, our new Libra band curves around the diamond making it a match made in heaven. Level UpAnother option is to upgrade your current engagement ring. Let’s say you purchased a 1 carat oval as your engagement ring and now you’re able to afford something larger and want to upgrade the center stone to a 2 carat oval. Or maybe you have a heart shaped diamond and decided you’d prefer a radiant. You can upgrade the center stone of your engagement ring to meet your current style or budget. You can also set your original diamond in a new setting. If you got engaged many years ago and the style of your engagement ring no longer represents your current style, it is very common to just place your diamond on a new setting to update the look. Our classic pave settings or our signature thin solitaire bands with a hidden halo work with any diamond shape to update your ring. Ice Ice BabyIf the first two options are not speaking to you, you can’t go wrong with a little ice. Simple 1 carat diamond stud earrings look great on anyone worn alone or with multiple piercings. If you’re not sure what your partners taste in jewelry is, you can’t go wrong with anything classic. A tennis bracelet is also a great gift option since it is also really simple yet glam at the same time. It can be worn alone or stacked with multiple bracelets.   We’re happy to help you find the perfect gift so feel free to message our team of experts. They can help you decide which anniversary gift is perfect for your partner. And at the end of the day the thought is the most important so they will love whatever you choose.    

When you’re ready to start looking for an engagement ring, you want everything to be perfect. It’s a special moment in a couples life, but where to start? Just find a jewelry store and bring your wallet, right? But once you get there, you may be overwhelmed with the plethora of options and price points that making a decision before doing any research will be difficult. We’ll take you through the average cost of an engagement ring and help break the myths surrounding the cost of an engagement ring as well as highlight the factors to consider when choosing the best ring for your budget. One thing is for sure, diamonds are a serious investment. The average cost of an engagement ring in the US is between $5,000-$10,000. Such a wide range of prices makes it difficult to determine how much you should spend on yours. There is no one-size-fits-all rule and no one right answer, but don’t worry, we’ll help you figure out what works best for you.  Many people will have heard that the amount you have to spend on an engagement ring is one month's salary. Few people actually know that this rule started as a marketing initiative used by diamond dealers to improve sales at the beginning of World War II. Over time, this strange idea grew from one months salary to two months and sometimes even three! This is very unrealistic for many people. Of course, if you have the savings to spend one, two, or three months salary on a ring and that is what you wish to do, you will be able to purchase a very impressive ring. There are also price calculators online. These calculators help you decide how much you should spend on an engagement ring by gathering information about your income and lifestyle. If you want to use an engagement ring calculator to set your budget (can check out our 3 engagement rings for every budget), go for it, but keep in mind that what the calculator says, doesn’t have to be the exact amount. They are just there to help you get an idea if you don’t know where to start and have no idea how much to spend.  The most important factor to consider when purchasing a ring is your financial situation. Do you have savings to pay for the ring upfront or a good credit score in order to finance the ring and make monthly payments? The more savings you have and the higher your income, the more you will be able to spend. It’s not necessary to have to go in to debt over an engagement ring especially when you will have many other expenses when planning a wedding. Take in to account the finances you currently have and go from there. If you cannot afford the ring of your dreams but are set on purchasing exactly what you want regardless of income, you can always make a downpayment and finance the rest if you feel this is the best choice for you or upgrade your ring later on when you have the funds. You may also be able to afford a really expensive ring, but may want to spend less on a ring and put the rest of the money towards something else. At the end of the day, the main thing is to make sure you’re not putting yourself in an uncomfortable position financially while still having realistic expectations on how much a diamond ring costs. If you’re still unsure of how much to spend, we’re happy to help. Send us an email at sales@naturesparkle.com and our diamond experts will be able to find you the perfect ring for your budget.